Veikkausliiga 2026: Oulu Cling to Lead as HJK, KuPS Drop Points

Oulu stumble but hold Veikkausliiga summit

AC Oulu stayed first despite defeat, TPS moved second with a win over HJK, and KuPS drew with SJK in a week that left the Veikkausliiga table deadlocked.

Ilves stunned AC Oulu 1-0, TPS edged HJK 1-0, and KuPS drew 0-0 with SJK in a chaotic Friday night that left the top three level on points...

Friday night delivered mixed results at the top of the Veikkausliiga, leaving AC Oulu, TPS, and KuPS all tied on 12 points. HJK’s loss meant they couldn’t seize sole possession of first place.

LIEKEISSÄ. 🔥

📺 Katso: https://t.co/Pbu9b1kJGE
🎙️ Kuuntele: https://t.co/irknuMTQQ7

📸 Jimi Soinila / @sportraitsbyjimi#Ilves #Veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/8kLd7jQhEY

— Ilves Football (@ilvesfootball) May 8, 2026

Ilves 1-0 AC Oulu: Early Goal Sinks League Leaders

Oulu had reclaimed the top spot with a win over KuPS after two straight defeats, but their momentum ended early tonight. In the 11th minute, Miguel Santos could only push a shot to Oliver Pettersson, who headed it across for Teemu Hytonen to finish into an open net.

  

The visitors managed just one shot on target all game - a Rasmus Karjalainen effort in the second half that posed no threat to Faris Krkalic. Ilves defended comfortably to secure their first win of the season.

 

Despite the loss, favorable results elsewhere meant Oulu stay first on goal difference. Ilves move up to ninth after picking up three points.

TPS 1-0 HJK: Turku Side Stun Champions to Stay Unbeaten

TPS’s impressive return to the Veikkausliiga rolled on as they edged HJK at home. The result extends their unbeaten run to six games and lifts them to second, while the record champions drop to fourth, a point behind.

 

HJK controlled 72% of the ball and outshot TPS 10-3, yet only managed two shots on target in the first half - the same as the hosts. The deadlock remained at 0-0 going into the break.

HJK were made to pay for their missed chances six minutes after the restart. A long ball from Eetu Turkki sent Theodoros Tsirigotis clear, and the forward cut inside before firing home his third goal of the season.

HJK threw 23 shots at the TPS goal after falling behind but couldn’t find a way past Elmo Henriksson, whose steady display ensured the hosts held on for the win.

Tsirigotis on löytänyt maalivireensä😎#tältätuntuu #veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/NuJBdr1Sra

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) May 8, 2026

KuPS 0-0 SJK: Champions Held as SJK Extend Stalemate Run

Like HJK, KuPS couldn’t capitalize on the chance to lead the table, settling for a 0-0 draw with SJK. It’s a third draw in a row for the Seinäjoki side, while the reigning champions are now winless in three and have just one win in their last five.

 

KuPS controlled possession and created more chances but couldn’t beat SJK keeper Roope Paunio. He was sent off with two minutes left after a reckless challenge on Gustaf Engvall, leaving the visitors down to 10 men.

Despite being a man down, SJK held firm in the closing stages to move up to seventh. KuPS drop to third, level on points with the top two but behind on goal difference.